Michael's interest in yoga went from zero to teacher training within the space of 18 months. So impacted was he by the changes he felt after 12 months of regular classes, that the ongoing journey into his practice took him to India for his teacher training in Ashtanga practice. This Is Yoga is Michael's first exciting venture into sharing his passion and vision by creating a space for people who never thought yoga was for them. Michael will show you how to find your feet and learn how such an ancient practice can give you such a positive affect on your body and in your life. When Michael is not teaching or practicing at the studio, you can find him surfing with his brothers, walking his beloved staffy 'Elvis' or having BBQs with friends and family along the coast. Michael's classes are both fun and lighthearted with inversions and challenges to take you through your practice. He will ask you to find a place in yourself that feels like there is nowhere else to go and then make you dig that little bit deeper! Compassionate when least expected and full of his own quirky takes on living a life on purpose, he is a refreshing yoga teacher and a class not to be missed!

Elisha was initially attracted to Power yoga for the physical challenge and sweat factor!! She loved the way it strengthened her body, whilst simultaneously improving her flexibility. Coming from a professional dance background, Elisha could access a feeling of freedom and expression on her mat, that was similar to that when she was performing on stage. It soon became apparent that not only on a physical level were things changing and getting stronger, but also on a spiritual level new insights were developing. “Yoga gave me that invitation to honestly look inside myself, to discover my patterns of self doubt. It has given me a beautiful new awareness and the ability to just be. Yoga has taught me to ‘let it be messy’, rather than focusing on achieving perfection. The feeling of unlimitlessness I experience on my mat is what feeds and inspires me…” Through a powerful Vinyasa yoga flow and a hint of dance, Elisha is inspired to share the yoga love! Her sequencing is playful. Her classes will rinse you, twist you and stretch you to find your edge not only physically but holistically. She offers herself completely to every class and truly challenges her students to hold their own space. ` .

A beach boy at heart, Fraser first found yoga via surfing. ‘I needed something to do when there were no waves!’ he says. Pastime quickly became passion when Fraser noticed how yoga had rapidly increased his strength and balance. ‘I was hooked, but it was when I noticed the balance it brought to my whole life that I fell in love with yoga and wanted to share it with others.’ This passion led him to power yoga teacher training. Fraser brings an infectious enthusiasm (delivered in a thick Scottish accent!) to all his classes. ‘We never stop learning with yoga. It’s when we’re on the mat that we can truly find out what we’re made of.’ .

Liz is a passionate and devoted practitioner of yoga and everything movement. Spending most of her career working as a personal trainer and understanding strength, conditioning and fitness, she is living and now sharing her passion. She knew that it was yoga that changed her life, after her initial yoga teacher training in India with Sivanandavedanta in 2011 and Powerliving in 2013...it was clear in the way she moved and the way that she was able to truly realise the 'mind body connection' within herself. Liz also loves to teach others to move more efficiently and implement these changes into their own life and brings a energetic style that will bring life (prana) to every cell in your body.

Kassandra has been a professional dancer for most of her life, dancing for artists all around the world whilst practicing yoga along the way. This was until her latest venture around the world where she studied with an incredible yogi, Kester Lunney, in a Shala on a remote island in Thailand. Here she realised this was her next great path in her life. The excitement of being able to change peoples lives as he did to hers sent her to an Ashram in Rishikesh, India at Shiva Yoga Peeth. Kass completed her teacher training in Ashtanga and Hatha, meditation, Pranayama and this ancient practices of the Indian philosophy. Loving that yoga is practiced evenly on both sides of the body unlike most other exercise techniques and the importance of giving your mind and soul as much time and effort superficial body.

As a fitness fanatic and once professional dancer, Fiona was excited to find yoga - a practice where she could sweat, stretch, burn a few calories and get some zen time. Well that was 12 years ago, and along with her daily meditation practice, Fiona believes both have positively changed every aspect of her life. Coming from an industry known for it's ruthlessness and competitive nature, yoga allowed Fiona to re-connect, remain grounded, and invite more compassion into her life. "Yoga has allowed me to find a sense of calm on and beyond my mat, and finally embrace my true self. Whether falling over on my mat or off of my surfboard, I love that I can let go of the idea of perfection, and just enjoy playing." Along with her vast experience as a dance teacher, she hopes to draw on her vast life experience to deliver classes filled with vibrancy and fun, and at the same time allowing her students to reconnect and get grounded. !

Jessie-Anne is passionate about-and convinced of-the life-changing effects that yoga can bring to an individual's life. With a background in Functional Movement and also, as a keen runner herself, Jessie-Anne understands how easy it is to amerce oneself in the physical world and lose the deeper, spiritual connection with something of far greater substance in life. Jessie-Anne is a country girl at heart and brings that warm, honest and "hands- on" approach to her classes. Her philosophy is an unique blend of mindful movement with a whimsical hint of playfulness.

Roshi’s journey into yoga began over 10 years ago while living in Ireland. She devoted her practice to Bikram Yoga for four years and loved the physical challenge and discipline this style gave her, but she eventually started searching for more. While practicing different styles of yoga she one day stepped into an Anusara class with Tahnee Fouriner. Roshi loved the way the class beautifully flowed and the heartfelt theme of the Anusara practice. Roshi knew then that she too wanted to follow this path deeper and share her love of the practice with as many people as possible. Following her inner voice and trusting the pulsation from her heart, she set off to Bali to do a 200-hour Teacher Training with certified Anusara teacher, Bridget Woods Kramer. Roshi has now been teaching for over 5 years and embraces the practice of yoga into her everyday life. Roshi’s classes are inspired and infused by the seasons, nature and also by what is going on around her energetically. Roshi teaches from her heart and brings a warm and generous presence to the room. She teaches a “conscious vinyasa” class that invites you to open your heart, stretch your mind, breathe and connect back to your sweetest selves.

A native New Yorker, Lindsay moved to Bondi in 2010 after a few years of globetrotting and chasing summer. The ocean, mountains and open spaces have always called her name, and she feels most alive when she's outdoors under the sun with the earth under her feet. Lindsay is an avid animal lover and advocate and has spent lots of time in animal shelters and sanctuaries all over the world. She finds that her yoga practice and study of yogic principals enhances her connection to others, something she has felt deeply from a young age. Not only has she found that yoga has softened some of her hard New York edges, asana has increased her physical, mental and emotional strength and balance and she enjoys a dynamic flowing practice. Her classes offer students opportunity to grow in strength and mental stamina but also in awareness of body, mind and spirit.

When Ellen was first introduced to yoga, the love affair was apparent from the start. Recommended by a friend to just give yoga a "try", it was here that Ellen truly found complete joy and freedom within her body and her overthinking mind. Coming from a musical background, Ellen has always used her body as a form of expression, so the marriage between performing on stage and her practice on the mat was very clearly meant to be. Ellen's new found hobby, quickly and effortless began to take up most of her time, and her passion and determination grew into wanting to make this her new path in life. Diving headfirst into her practice (maybe even a little obsessed) yoga transformed her life, both physically and mentally. Gaining strength, patience and an inner peace Ellen was not used to, life as she knew it was turned upside down. Inspired by the ever changing and always challenging practice of yoga, Ellen's classes will leave you feeling empowered, both physically and mentally. With your muscles being strengthen and lengthen and confronting the potential of your own mind. Ellen's purpose is to give back to her community and allow for her students to fall in love with the power of yoga the way she was able to.

For Karen, yoga is about creating space, softness and strength and cultivating a sense of kindness towards self and others. She teaches in a way that promotes a deep sense of self-awareness and believes that yoga’s true power lies in its lessons of self-acceptance and compassion. According to Karen, “Postures are not something to be achieved through struggle and strain; rather they provide the opportunity to accept ourselves as we are, where we are. Yoga is not about flexibility, but presence and awareness, kindness and compassion”. After many years of practicing yoga, including Bikram, Power, and hatha vinyasa, Karen found Botannix Yoga Studio where she has practiced regularly since 2010. In 2013, she completed her 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training program at Botannix Yoga under the guidance of Jeff Miller. In July 2015 Karen undertook a 100 hour Yin yoga training with Melanie McLaughlin, which deepened her passion and connection with yin. Knowing first-hand how yoga can help with every aspect of life, she is honoured to share her passion for this time-honoured tradition.